Pembs and Caerphilly lift age group trophies

On Tuesday at Aberavon, a well drilled and enterprising Pembrokeshire team beat holders Taff Rhondda 35-10 in the WRU Inter-District Youth U18 Final. The Pembrokeshire team dominated possession in the first half and used their extra pace behind the scrum to good effect to build a 15-3 lead at half-time. After the break Taff Rhondda fought back to score a good try by Jason Pryce (Rhydyfelin) converted by Rhys Truelove (Beddau), who also kicked a penalty.

Pembrokeshire rallied strongly in the latter part of the second half to run out comfortable and very well deserved winners. William Bowen (Haverfordwest) grabbed two tries for the winners and there were others from Gethin Salter (Narberth), Richard Hope (Newcastle Emlyn) and Alex Pickersgill (Whitland). Rhys Davies (Crymych) kicked two penalties and a conversion and Sam Phillips (Crymych) added another conversion.

In a much closer affair at Pontypridd on Wednesday, Caerphilly beat Bridgend 20-18 in the WRU Inter-District U16 Final. The Caerphilly team, comprising players from eight clubs in the area, built up a commanding 17-6 lead following an excellent try by Tom James (Ystrad Mynach/Penallta) and a determined effort from the outstanding Chris Mapps (Deri). Josh Steer (Newbridge) converted both tries and kicked a long range penalty.

In the second-half, Bridgend showed their fighting spirit to eventually take the lead 18-17. Drawn from five clubs in the area, the Bridgend fight back featured two tries from Terry Saunders (Tondu) and another from Lewis Morgan (Kenfig Hill). Jonathan Matthews (Kenfig Hill) kicked a conversion and Joe Galapuant (Bridgend Athletic) landed two penalties.

With victory seemingly slipping from their grasp Caerphilly rallied in the dying moments and secured a penalty which Steer coolly kicked to win the title.